In our “7 Questions” interviews, we catch up with inspiring people from all around the world and all walks of life, from everyday heros to world class athletes. We chose the 7 questions to try and gain a glimse of personal motivation and philosophy that we can all relate to and be inspired by!
Introducing Natalie Berry
This week we spoke to Natalie Berry, Editor in Cheif at UKC and one of the UK’s best female climbers. As a youth competition climber, Natalie won eight British titles and went on to compete internationally, winning a European Youth Series event in 2007. Natalie became increasngly drawn outdoors, quickly excelling in all areas and acheiving grades of 8b sport and E7 trad. After several years living in Chamonix, enjoying all forms of climbing, skiing and alpinism, Natalie has now returned to Scotland. You can follow Natalie on her Twitter @natalie_a_berry and Instagram @natalie.a.berry. Read on to find out more about a strong work ethic, a chocolate button addiction and our climb together in Chamonix!
1) Draw a 60 second picture of something on your bucket list!
That’s meant to be the flag of Nepal and Everest. I’m not set on climbing it, but I’d love to visit Nepal and spend time trekking and climbing at altitude in the Himalayas, especially in Nepal.
2) What is the best piece of advice you have ever been given, or your favourite quote?
‘You make your own luck’/’Luck comes from hard work.’ I have a good work ethic and I think being a competitive climber as a kid helped me to appreciate that you have to put the work in if you want results and opportunities.
3) If you were stuck on a deserted island, what three luxury items would you bring and why?
A pregnant dog (thanks to Gwen Moffat for the idea, who responded with ‘a pregnant cat’ when I asked her this question in an interview!); a sat phone?! (am I allowed and would it work?!); a 100kg tub of dark chocolate buttons to savour…
4) Share a photo from a moment you remember feeling very happy, with a caption to explain why
Anna and I on the Clocher-Clochetons traverse! It was the first time we’d climbed together since we competed together as kids. We were both living in Chamonix and the route was so much fun! I remember the Tyrolean fondly! I went back and did it again that summer. Neither of us still live in Chamonix but it’s a fond memory of our time there and I hope we can climb together again now we’re both back in Scotland!
5) Can you please recommend a book, movie or podcast?
I like listening to The Daily podcast from The New York Times to keep informed about current affairs. I’d also recommend the book To Live by Élisabeth Revol about her first female winter ascent of Nanga Parbat and the tragedy that ensued, as we have so few first-hand accounts of Himalayan ascents by women. I translated it, so I’m biased, but I think it’s worth a read and she has been extremely modest about promoting the book!
6) If you suddenly found yourself with an unexpected free summer evening, how would you spend it?
Depends where I would be, but I’d probably go for a walk in Edinburgh, either up Arthur’s Seat or to the beach!
7) If you could give a piece of advice to your younger self, what would it be?
Just be yourself! I’ve always been quietly confident but I probably spent more time worrying about what other people thought of me as a kid.
Thank you Natalie! Natalie is sponsored by Mountain Equipment, Ellis Brigham, La Sportiva/Petzl/Lyon Equipment and Hard Bar. She is also an Urban Uprising ambassador. You can follow Natalie on her Twitter @natalie_a_berry HERE and on Instagram @natalie.a.berry HERE